Drivers failing to understand road signs

One in five road signs are not understood by UK drivers, according to research carried out by automotive servicing and repair company Kwik Fit.

The average driver knows only 79% of UK road sign meanings. For two in five drivers not being able to understand a sign or being confused over its meaning has led to problems on the road. The most common mistakes due to misinterpreting road signs are breaking the speed limit (16%), braking suddenly (15%) and having to slow down, causing traffic to build up (9%).

Perhaps recognising the gaps in their knowledge, the majority of drivers believe that the driving theory and hazard perception tests should be retaken throughout people’s motoring lives, with more than half (53%) thinking it should be repeated at least once every twenty years.

When researchers for Kwik Fit tested drivers on some specific UK roads signs and road markings, some significant gaps in their knowledge were revealed. Only one in 10 drivers correctly identified the central white line markings which indicate a hazard ahead. In direct contrast to their true meaning, the vast majority (66%) believed that this line meant normal road conditions.

A circular white sign with a red border is worryingly unfamiliar to the majority of drivers, as only a quarter (27%) know that this means “all vehicles prohibited expect bicycles being pushed by pedestrians”. More than this number (30%) of drivers think it signifies a “red route – no waiting” while a further third (33%) admitted to not knowing.

While a white “C” on a red circle should be familiar to drivers in the capital, one in four Londoners (22%) don’t recognise this as signifying a congestion charging zone. In fact, 6% of Londoners think it means “caution children ahead” with 4% believing it marks a charging point for electric vehicles. Those drivers from outside London should take care if they are making a trip to the capital, as more than a third (34%) could not correctly identify the road sign, and so could find themselves risking a penalty fine.

Signs giving indications of speed caused confusion for a surprising number of drivers. Kwik Fit found that almost one in five drivers (19%) were flummoxed by the meaning of a white circle with a black diagonal bar. Five per cent thought this meant a 70 mph limit applied, 4% thought 60mph applied while 7% thought it meant no speed restrictions, something which doesn’t apply on any public road in the UK. The correct meaning is “national speed limit applies”.

As well as maximum speeds causing confusion, drivers are also in danger of being caught out by minimum speeds signs. A white 30 on a blue circle with a red diagonal line through it indicates the end of a 30mph minimum speed zone, something that could be identified by just one in four (25%) of drivers.

Two-thirds (68%) of UK adults believe that drivers should have to re-take the driving theory and hazard perception tests, with an average gap of every 15 years. Those who do currently drive would leave a longer period between tests, on average every 16.5 years, while non drivers believe motorists should be retested every 11 years.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “The findings show that although many of us think we are good drivers, we are ready to accept that we don’t know the meanings of all road signs. Our research showed that some surprising results, and indicated that there are some clear instructions and safety warnings which drivers are not picking up on when out on the road.

“While people can’t be expected to voluntarily retake their test, it would be a good idea for even those of us who have been driving a long time to make sure we really do know the correct meaning of road signs and markings.”

For those who are still uncertain, Kwik Fit has identified the signs and markings listed above. They are:

A – ‘Give way’ ahead

B – No entry for vehicle including cycles

C – Level crossing without a barrier

D – National speed limit applies

E – Hazard ahead

F – Beware of cross winds

G – End of 30mph minimum speed

H – Congestion charging zone ahead

I – All vehicles prohibited except bicycles being pushed by pedestrians

That’s a pretty unfair test, as some of the examples illustrated are not valid traffic signs or would be accompanied by other signs, markings or text that would make their meaning clearer. For example, the diagram 617 empty red ring cannot be placed on the road in form shown – it must always have the words “No vehicles” or “Play Street” under it. If drivers had been shown the complete sign, recognition rates would have been much higher. Tourist symbols are not expected to be sufficient on their own, so are always accompanied by the full description of the attraction when first used.